SYSTEM FOR ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATING AT A VEHICLE CHARGING STATION AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

• US 20130124320A1
• Filed: 12/13/2012
• Published: 05/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Blink Acquisition, LLC (Blink Charging Co.)
• Original Assignee: Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (Intertek Group PLC)
• Inventors: Karner, Donald B.
• Application Number:
  US13/713,834
• Publication Number:
  US 20130124320A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.54
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/10 Air crafts
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/12 Bikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/26 Rail vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/36 Vehicles designed to transport cargo, e.g. trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/40 Working vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/42 Fork lift trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/545 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/547 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/549 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/70 Interactions with external data bases, e.g. traffic centres
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/72 Charging station selection relying on external data
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/80 Time limits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/14 by input of vehicle departure time
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/20 using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/30 using propulsion power stored mechanically, e.g. in fly-wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/40 using propulsion power supplied by capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/12 Inductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/31 Charging columns specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/50 : Charging stations characterised by energy-storage or power-generation means
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/51 : Photovoltaic means
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/52 : Wind-driven generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/63 : in response to network capacity
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/65 : involving identification of vehicles or their battery types
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/665 : Methods related to measuring, billing or payment
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/68 : Off-site monitoring or control, e.g. remote control
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 55/00 : Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 : for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 : Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 : Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 : Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 : Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 : Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 : characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 : Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/167 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 : Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/126 : the energy generation units being or involving electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV], i.e. power aggregation of EV or HEV, vehicle to grid arrangements [V2G]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/14 : Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/12 : Billing, invoicing, buying or selling transactions or other related activities, e.g. cost or usage evaluation
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/14 : Marketing, i.e. market research and analysis, surveying, promotions, advertising, buyer profiling, customer management or rewards

Abstract

In some embodiments, a system for advertising and communicating at a vehicle charging station and method of using the same as disclosed herein. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Claims

1. ) A method of providing relevant information from a set of information, the method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storage modules, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to receive the set of information, wherein the set of information comprises at least one unit of marketing information indexed according to at least one selection category, the at least one selection category relating to at least one potential factor, and the at least one potential factor comprising at least one of;

(a) at least one potential operating condition of an electric vehicle supply equipment, (b) at least one potential element of user data of an user profile, or (c) at least one potential user input;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive at least one of;

(a) at least one actual operating condition of the electric vehicle supply equipment, (b) at least one actual element of user data of the user profile, or (c) at least one actual user input;

if the at least one potential factor comprises the at least one potential operation condition of the electric vehicle supply equipment and if the at least one actual operating condition of the electric vehicle supply equipment is received, executing one or more third computer instructions configured to match the at least one actual operating condition with one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

if the at least one potential factor comprises the at least one potential element of user data of the user profile and if the at least one actual element of user data of the user profile is received, executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to match the at least one actual element of user data of the user profile with one or more of the at least one potential element of user data of the user profile;

if the at least one potential factor comprises the at least one potential user input and if the at least one actual user input is received, executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to match the at least one actual user input with one or more of the at least one potential user input;

if the one or more third computer instructions are executed, executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to compile a first information group, the first information group comprising each unit of marketing information of the at least one unit of marketing information that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

if the one or more fourth computer instructions are executed, executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to compile a second information group, the second information group comprising each unit of marketing information of the at least one unit of marketing information that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input;

if the one or more fifth computer instructions are executed, executing one or more eighth computer instructions configured to compile a third information group, the third information group comprising each unit of marketing information of the at least one unit of marketing information that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input; and

executing one or more ninth computer instructions configured to combine at least one of the first information group, the second information group, or the third information group into a fourth information group, wherein the relevant information comprises the fourth information group.

2. ) The method of claim 1 further comprising:

executing one or more tenth computer instructions configured to provide the relevant information to a user of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

3. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the set of information further comprises at least one governmental message indexed according to the at least one selection category;

the first information group further comprises each governmental message of the at least one governmental message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

the second information group further comprises each governmental message of the at least one governmental message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input;

and

the third information group further comprises each governmental message of the at least one governmental message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input.

4. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the set of information further comprises at least one news message indexed according to the at least one selection category;

the first information group further comprises each news message of the at least one news message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

the second information group further comprises each news message of the at least one news message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input;

and

the third information group further comprises each news message of the at least one news message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input.

5. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the set of information further comprises at least one political message indexed according to the at least one selection category;

the first information group further comprises each political message of the at least one political message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

the second information group further comprises each political message of the at least one political message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input;

and

the third information group further comprises each political message of the at least one political message that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input.

6. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the set of information further comprises at least one public service announcement indexed according to the at least one selection category;

the first information group further comprises each public service announcement of the at least one public service announcement that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential operation condition;

the second information group further comprises each public service announcement of the at least one public service announcement that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input;

and

the third information group further comprises each public service announcement of the at least one public service announcement that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential user input.

7. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one potential operating condition comprises at least one of;

a potential time at which the electric vehicle supply equipment is at least one of coupled with or charging an electric vehicle;

or

a potential length of an interval of time during which the electric vehicle supply equipment is at least one of coupled with or charging the electric vehicle;

and

the at least one actual operating condition comprises at least one of;

an actual time at which the electric vehicle supply equipment is at least one of coupled with or charging with the electric vehicle;

or

an actual length of an interval of time during which the electric vehicle supply equipment is at least one of coupled with or charging the electric vehicle.

8. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

at least one of the at least one potential user input or the at least one potential element of user data of the user profile comprises at least one of;

a potential make of an electric vehicle;

a potential model of the electric vehicle;

a potential manufacturing year of the electric vehicle;

a potential type of a rechargeable energy storage system of the electric vehicle;

a potential type or size of at least one battery for the rechargeable energy storage system;

a potential history of use of the rechargeable energy storage system;

at least one potential preference of a user of the electric vehicle supply equipment;

at least one potential response of the user;

at least one potential user inquiry of the user;

a potential amount of time the user is willing to wait to receive a desired level of charge for the rechargeable energy storage system;

a potential time at which the user requires the electric vehicle;

a potential maximum price per unit of energy that the user is willing to pay;

a potential maximum price that the user is willing to pay for charging the electric vehicle;

a potential reservation for at least one interval of time during which to use the electric vehicle supply equipment;

a potential reservation for at least one interval of time during which to use an alternative electric vehicle supply equipment;

a potential odometer reading for the electric vehicle;

a potential request that the electric vehicle supply equipment provide electricity from an alternative energy source;

a potential desired level to which to charge the rechargeable energy storage system;

a potential desired level to which to charge the at least one battery;

at least one potential interest of the user;

or

at least one potential interest of a passenger of the electric vehicle;

and

at least one of the at least one actual user input or the at least one actual element of user data of the user profile comprises at least one of;

an actual make of the electric vehicle;

an actual model of the electric vehicle;

an actual manufacturing year of the electric vehicle;

an actual type of the rechargeable energy storage system of the electric vehicle;

an actual type or size of the at least one battery for the rechargeable energy storage system;

an actual history of use of the rechargeable energy storage system;

at least one actual preference of the user;

at least one actual response of the user;

at least one actual user inquiry of the user;

an actual amount of time the user is willing to wait to receive the desired level of charge for the rechargeable energy storage system;

an actual time at which the user requires the electric vehicle;

an actual maximum price per unit of energy that the user is willing to pay;

an actual maximum price that the user is willing to pay for charging the electric vehicle;

an actual reservation for the at least one interval of time during which to use the electric vehicle supply equipment;

an actual reservation for the at least one interval of time during which to use the alternative electric vehicle supply equipment;

an actual odometer reading for the electric vehicle;

an actual request that the electric vehicle supply equipment provide electricity from an alternative energy source;

an actual desired level to which to charge the rechargeable energy storage system;

an actual desired level to which to charge the at least one battery;

at least one actual interest of the user;

or

at least one actual interest of a passenger of the electric vehicle.

9. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one potential factor further comprises at least one potential geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment; and

the method further comprises;

executing one or more tenth computer instructions configured to receive an actual geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment;

if the at least one potential factor comprises the at least one potential geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment, executing one or more eleventh computer instructions configured to match the actual geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment with one or more of the at least one potential geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment;

if the one or more eleventh computer instructions are executed, executing one or more twelfth computer instructions configured to compile a fifth information group, the fifth information group comprising each unit of marketing information of the at least one unit of marketing information that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential geographic location of the electric vehicle supply equipment;

if the one or more twelfth computer instructions are executed, executing one or more thirteenth computer instructions configured to combine the fifth information group into the fourth information group.

10. ) The method of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one potential factor further comprises at least one potential vehicle input; and

the method further comprises;

executing one or more tenth computer instructions configured to receive an actual vehicle input;

if the at least one potential factor comprises the at least one potential vehicle input, executing one or more eleventh computer instructions configured to match the actual vehicle input with one or more of the at least one potential vehicle input;

if the one or more eleventh computer instructions are executed, executing one or more twelfth computer instructions configured to compile a fifth information group, the fifth information group comprising each unit of marketing information of the at least one unit of marketing information that is indexed according to the at least one selection category that relates to the at least one potential operating condition comprising the one or more of the at least one potential vehicle input;

if the one or more twelfth computer instructions are executed, executing one or more thirteenth computer instructions configured to combine the fifth information group into the fourth information group.

11. ) A method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storage modules, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to receive at least one user input from at least one of a user of an electric vehicle charging station, a user database, or an electric vehicle, the at least one user input comprising a desired level of charge and an existing level of charge;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive first data and second data, wherein the second data comprises marketing information;

executing one or more third computer instructions configured to determine at least a portion of the second data that is relevant to at least one of the user or the electric vehicle; and

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide to the user the at least the portion of the second data;

wherein;

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises;

executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to calculate an approximate quantity of time remaining to provide the desired level of charge; and

executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the approximate quantity of time remaining to provide the desired level of charge from the existing level of charge.

12. ) The method of claim 11 further comprising:

executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to provide electricity to a rechargeable energy storage system of the electric vehicle from the electric vehicle charging station.

13. ) The method of claim 11 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises;

executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to determine a location of at least one of the user, the electric vehicle, or the electric vehicle charging station; and

executing one or more eighth computer instructions configured to compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the location of the at least one of the user, the electric vehicle, or the electric vehicle charging station.

14. ) The method of claim 11 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises;

executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to provide a statement to the user;

executing one or more eighth computer instructions configured to receive at least one response to the statement; and

executing one or more ninth computer instructions configured to compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the at least one response to the statement.

15. ) The method of claim 11 wherein:

executing the one or more fourth computer instructions comprises executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to display at an electronic display the at least the portion of the second data to the user.

16. ) A system comprising:

a communications module configured to receive (a) at least one user input from at least one of a user of an electric vehicle charging station, a user database, or an electric vehicle, the at least one user input comprising a desired level of charge and an existing level of charge, (b) first data, and (c) second data, the second data comprising marketing information;

an operations module configured to communicate with the communications module and to determine at least a portion of the second data that is relevant to at least one of the user or the electric vehicle; and

an output module configured to communicate with the communications module and the operations module and to provide to the user, the at least the portion of the second data;

wherein;

the operations module is configured to (a) calculate an approximate quantity of time remaining to provide the desired level of charge, and (b) compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the approximate quantity of time remaining to provide the desired level of charge from the existing level of charge.

17. ) The system of claim 16 further comprising:

the electric vehicle charging station, the electric vehicle charging station comprising at least one of the communications module or the output module.

18. ) The system of claim 16 wherein:

the operations module is configured to (a) determine a location of at least one of the user, the electric vehicle, or the electric vehicle charging station, and (b) compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the location of the at least one of the user, the electric vehicle, or the electric vehicle charging station.

19. ) The system of claim 16 wherein:

the communications module is configured to (a) provide a statement to the user, and (b) receive at least one response to the statement; and

the operations module is configured to compile the at least the portion of the second data based on the at least one response to the statement.

20. ) The system of claim 16 wherein:

the output module comprises an electronic display, the output module being configured to display at the electronic display the at least the portion of the second data to the user at the electronic display.